Cystitis and Diet

Understanding the IC Diet – For cystitis and Overactive bladders

If you are newly diagnosed and your bladder symptoms are raging, you may be in so much discomfort that you simply can’t tell if foods irritate your bladder. Diet modification is a critical first step in gaining control over your symptoms.

 It is time to take charge of your diet to protect and soothe your bladder. For the next three to six months, you should eliminate the most common bladder irritating foods and you will also need to do quite a bit of experimentation as you create your own, personalized food list. Below are two lists to help you.

In the lists on this page, you will see what research studies have identified as the “more bothersome” and “less bothersome” foods for IC patients.

The more bothersome foods come as no surprise and are the “no brainers” that you will want to remove immediately from your diet.

In List 2, you will find foods which IC patients were generally able to enjoy without irritating their bladders provided that you do NOT add risk foods to them (i.e. hot spicy sauces).

 The 2012 ICN Food List is much more comprehensive and is based on both research studies and patient experiences.

 It will allow you to find IC friendly versions of some of your favourite foods.

Bladder Friendly Foods- are those which, most patients tolerate well. These are the foods and beverages we suggest that you consume when you are having bladder discomfort. They rarely trigger bladder irritation.

Foods Worth Trying Cautiously! are generally safe though they may irritate more sensitive bladders. They should be tried in small quantities first.

Foods to Avoid- are those well known for triggering bladder discomfort. Foods with a (+) sign can be soothing during an IC flare